Countdown to CARA: On to the Senate!

September 7 was an important day for the nation’s autism community as Congress began the effort to renew the landmark 2006 Combating Autism Act. By unanimous voice vote, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee moved S.1094, a bill which would renew the act for another three years, out of committee and on to the full Senate for a floor vote. While an important step, the HELP vote was just the first of several that Congress will need to complete by September 30 when the law expires.

To keep up the momentum, it is important that advocates urge those U.S. Senators who have yet to cosponsor S.1094, the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA), to do so immediately. Nearly a third of the Senate has signed on to the bill, including five new cosponsors this week, but we need more. Visit our CARA Action Center to learn how.

Getting the bill voted out of the HELP committee required that a quorum of 12 Senators were in attendance. An intensive grassroots efforts by Autism Speaks through the Labor Day weekend helped ensure that 14 members attended and all voted to approve the bill for consideration by the full Senate. When that vote will occur is uncertain.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, the CARA bill (HR.2005) similarly must first move out of the Energy & Commerce Committee before it can go to a full vote on the House floor. But before the committee acts, it must receive confirmation from Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), as the House Majority Leader, that he will allow the bill to go to a floor vote. Autism Speaks has launched a radio ad campaign in Rep. Cantor’s home district (Richmond-Harrisonburg) encouraging him to support CARA. Leader Cantor was a co-sponsor of the 2006 CAA, serves on the Congressional Autism Caucus and has attended Walk Now for Autism Speaks events in the past.

The original 2006 act authorized nearly $1 billion of federal spending through 2011 on biomedical and treatment research on autism. CARA would continue funding at current levels, authorizing $693 million over the next three years, without adding to the federal debt. The 2006 law was critical by establishing autism as a national health priority. Federal funding was increased by virtue of the 2006 law, leading to significant advances in the understanding of autism. The CAA required the federal government to develop a strategic plan to expand and better coordinate the nation’s support for persons with autism and their families. Important research findings have resulted, critical studies are underway and promising new interventions have been developed for children with autism, helping them to lead more independent lives, thereby reducing the need for publicly funded special education and social services.

Once a final bill is voted out of Congress, it goes to President Obama who has promised to sign a reauthorization bill this year. ALL of these steps must be completed by September 30 when the original act expires. To track the progress of the CARA legislation, visit the CARA home page at Autism Votes.